The Life Of My Dad Poem by Daleen Enslinstrydom

Dad, you worked very hard
first on the farm
and later you had to go to the mines.

While everybody were still asleep
and it was dark outside
you were already on the bus
and on your way to work.

You were always proud
that you were able to provide
and I remember how your shoes did shine.

In the afternoons I waited
on you to return
and the last tea in your flask
was always mine

and there was always a piece of bread
from your lunch
that you had spared for me
as you was thinking of me
throughout the day.

I was always happy to help you
carry your bag home
while we talked and shared the day
and for those moments
you were only my dad.

Dad, I have learnt so much from you.
as a guardian you were the best.
You have taught me that the worth
of a person lies in who you are
and not in way that people see you
and that you do determine
the way that other people act
but always remember
that people cannot see into your heart.

Dad, today I want to thank you
for the days that you had offered up to work
in the sand and the gravel at the mines
without ever complaining,
not even when you were tired.

Most of all I want to thank you
for those hands that always fold in prayer
and even today
I do know that when the sun rises
you do pray for us.